Interleukin-33 and inflammatory bowel diseases: lessons from human studies

Mediators Inflamm. 2014:2014:423957. doi: 10.1155/2014/423957. Epub 2014 Feb 20.

Abstract

Interleukin- (IL-) 33 is a widely expressed cytokine present in different cell types, such as epithelial, mesenchymal, and inflammatory cells, supporting a predominant role in innate immunity. IL-33 can function as a proinflammatory cytokine inducing Th2 type of immune response being involved with the defense against parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it has been proposed that IL-33 can act as a signaling molecule alerting the immune system of danger or tissue damage. Recently, in the intestinal mucosa, overexpression of IL-33 has been reported in samples from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This review highlights the available data regarding IL-33 in human IBD and discusses emerging roles for IL-33 as a key modulator of intestinal inflammation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Signal Transduction
  • Th2 Cells / cytology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • IL33 protein, human
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins